During this past holiday season, I hosted a Holiday Brunch for three of my closest girlfriends.
I wanted to keep it simple and make something ahead of time, something that would stay warm in the oven until my guests arrived so I didn’t have to “actually cook” when they came.
French Toast worked out pretty well especially since everyone showed up at different times. Sigh. 
And since it was the holiday season, I decided to use an Italian bread instead of the usual brioche or challah. 
For my Brunch, I opted for Pandoro Bread which is slightly sweet, light, and airy, but you can easily substitute Panetonne Bread with candied orange, just as delicious.
My inspiration for this recipe comes to you from the ever so gorgeous Giada De Laurentis, however I made a few adjustments to tone down the fat… I used 1 less egg, I used half and half instead of heavy whipping cream, I used 2% Reduced-Fat Milk instead of Whole Milk, I used less sugar, and I skipped the Mascarpone Cheese altogether. 
I also added some orange zest, vanilla, and ground cinnamon to further enhance the flavors of this scrumptious French Toast.
This Pandoro French Toast turned out phenomenal, and my friends would most definitely agree. 
Perfect for Sunday Brunch, but since we are in the New Year, this recipe will be one of the last “unhealthy” recipes I will post for a while. Enjoy!
NUTRITION: Eggs are a very good source of Vitamin B2, and are a good source Protein and Vitamin D, although the yolks do contain a lot of cholesterol, the yolk also contains tons of nutrients that are good for you. Milk is an excellent source of Protein and Calcium. Maple Syrup is a much healthier alternative to sugar since a little bit goes a long way.
* for a healthier alternative, substitute 2% Reduced-Fat Milk for half and half, use 100% whole wheat bread instead of Pandoro Bread, but then it won’t be as yummy.
INGREDIENTS (makes 8 pieces of French Toast):
recipe originally from Giada De Laurentis heavily modified below.
for the batter:
- Organic Eggs – 5
- Organic Half and Half – 3/4 cup
- Organic Milk 2% Reduced-Fat – 3/4 cup
- Turbinado Brown Sugar in the Raw – 3 tbsp
- Pure Vanilla – 1 tsp
- Orange Zest – 1 tsp
- Ground Cinnamon – 1/4 tsp
for cooking:
- Pandoro Bread – 1 lb. 8.7 oz. (slice 8 slices horizontally about 3/4 inch thick, you will have leftover bread)
- Unsalted Butter – 1 tsp per 2 slices (glaze about 1 tsp of butter and cook 2 slices of French Toast)
for garnish:
- Powdered Sugar – just a dusting
- 100% Pure Maple Syrup – just a drizzle
DIRECTIONS:
1. Start by cracking 5 eggs into a rectangular baking tray so you can easily dip the bread.
2. Add half and half, milk, brown sugar in the raw, vanilla, orange zest, and ground cinnamon. 
3. Whisk well.
4. Next, get your Pandoro bread, again, Panetonne would work beautifully too. Both breads can be found at any major grocery store during and after the holidays.
5. Slice the bread horizontally into 3/4 inch slices. Certain slices will be large, so you can slice those in half. You want 8 pieces of bread total.
6. Heat up a cast-iron skillet on low-medium heat (dial #4), once hot, add a teaspoon of butter.
7. Dip 2 slices of bread into the batter, about 3 seconds on each side. 
8. Add both slices of bread to the skillet.
9. Cook for about 3 – 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
10. Once done, serve immediately, or set aside on a baking tray.
11. I cooked my French Toast ahead of time and then placed them in a 250 degree oven so they stayed warm until my guests arrived. Works really well.
12. Once you are ready to serve, sprinkle powdered sugar and drizzle a little maple syrup. BEST FRENCH TOAST, EVER!
TELL ME: Do you ever host brunch? If so, what is your go to recipe that gives you a chance to hang out with your friends instead of cooking?
i haven't had French toast in such a long time. I normally go out for brunch but if I did it will probably be something savory and a waffle bar 🙂
I usually order French Toast when I go out, but if I see any savory Mexican brunch on the menu, then I'm in real trouble. My confusion begins! 🙂
You've inspired me to host a brunch for my girlfriends as well!
DIY pizza or tacos are usually a good option if the goal is to spend less time in the kitchen and more time hanging out 🙂
Haha.. I like doing that every season.. hosting a brunch, and then of course, we go out other times. I still have to make homemade pizza, I'm so scared to. Need to get over my fears! Definitely great for entertaining.
This looks totally awesome. I haven't made french toast in for ever and I used to make them all the time when I was little. I think I should make them again soon. My kids will love them. Great idea about keeping them warm in the oven 🙂 By the way I am making the avocado rice tomorrow w/ some peas. I hope I can get decent pictures given the weather. Happy new year!!
Yeah, I'm not a fan of making the whole wheat bread French Toasts, but this is such a treat, making the real deal. I really love the idea of keeping them warm, it totally works. So glad you enjoyed the Avocado Rice Miryam, always happy to hear. Happy New Year!
As one of the lucky people who got to try this when you made it, I have to say that this was delicious!! It tasted like something that I would have in a restaurant!
Awww.. thanks Mari, I'm glad you enjoyed it. It definitely had that restaurant-like appeal to it. 🙂
You did an awesome job lightening this up while still keeping all that great flavor! A breakfast of champions!
Considering how amazing it tasted, I'm surprised it required heavy cream and mascarpone – really not necessary, maybe a little mascarpone is okay though. 🙂
You can never go wrong with french toast, it looks spectacular 🙂
Thanks Gintare, you're so sweet. Glad you like it.
What an excellent way to use panetonne! Never thought of using it for French toast. I have not had French toast in a while so may just have to eat it tomorrow morning. Yours looks great by the way 🙂
You can totally switch it up with Panettone.. I know I was thinking of a recipe and then I figured I'd Google it and see if it's been done, of course it has! Thanks Amelia!
French toast is one of my favorite brunch dishes!! (among many, many others..) Looks delish, Nisha!
Me too Lauren.. among-st many others – haha! Thanks girlfriend!
French toasts are fabulous. I have a very special corner and special memories with french toast so they always hold special spot in my heart 🙂
Awwww.. that's so sweet. I believe they hold a special place in my heart because we went to this one diner for over 20+ years, and every time I'd order the same thing – French Toast! They are special to me too. 🙂
I haven't made French toast in at least a year! And you're right that it's perfect for feeding a crowd. Yours looks wonderful – thanks so much.
I love French Toast, it's always the first thing I look at when I'm out for brunch/breakfast. Thanks for your nice comments. 🙂
I wouldn't mind that french toast right away!
You and I both. It's 4 pm, craving some. 🙂
a wonderful twist on french toast….we can imagine how pleasantly happy your guests would have been with this lush,tender and utterly rich treat….great way with pandoro…a must try,thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks KK. Definitely lush and tender, so rich! I love adding twists to a traditional recipe. 🙂
This french toast sounds heavenly! I bet you and your girlfriends had a great time. I love that you are able to make this ahead of time and keep it warm in the oven until ready to eat! 🙂
Thanks Christina. My girls and I did have a great time. 🙂 Oh yeah, when I entertain, I always try and pick recipes where I can l do the work ahead of time so I can actually hangout. 🙂
I can't believe I have never made french toast before. This looks fantastic!!
This is definitely a rich version of French Toast. It's heavenly! Totally a once or twice a year kind of thing. 🙂 Thanks Cathleen.
Love the shape of that bread loaf! So pretty. Your substitutions sound perfect (glad you didn't cut out ALL the good stuff!) and this looks seriously amazing- my favorite moist, doughy french toast 🙂
Thanks Amy. I added some good stuff, but didn't think you really need mascarpone when you have half and half. It's amazing, and so moist!